The Rosewood town is well known for its high peace index. People call it the City of Serenity. No chaos, no fight, no hurdles, just people living their everyday life. All thanks to the collective efforts of the town people and the town government.
One night near the 16th street residential area a girl was walking. Her clothes were disheveled and torn, her body was badly bruised in multiple places, red blood soaking her clothes and a broken arm. She was walking almost like a sleepwalker. The outside injury was visible but her inside was screaming yet she remained silent. People tend to forget emotions when it may be too heavy to even bear. She passed out.
The upcoming days passed in a daze. Police came , media came and the matter was dragged to court. Today is the final hearing. The handcuffed criminal was presented before the judge. The criminal kept head down but could feel the people watching.
Soon the hearing started. The Judge said:
- The violent and brazen behaviour of the culprit is a threat to the town’s long perceived reputation. The court has decided to place the culprit in The Justice Cell for breaking the town codes of peace.
The culprit finally looked at the judge. Her face is still swollen. She asked:
- What is my fault, my lord? They are the ones who ruined me. They are the ones who permanently damaged my right arm . I can’t even lift a kettle. - Your suffering is valid but Rosewood values peace over everything and your active decision to choose a rather unsafe area is something the court cannot overlook.
Rose looked at her father in the back. His back crooked with shame. She goes silent.
- The court is adjourned for today.
The judge declared. Rose is dragged in a chain. Tons of people and the media shaming her. They put her in a car and drive away. She stares at those camera flashes and those judging faces. She doesn’t see faces, only masks.
They arrive at the Justice Cell. It is a barren area covered with 50ft grey walls around it. Beside it there is a massive field. Grass trimmed, walls painted, the field stands in a contrast to the grey, lifeless cell building. In the centre of the field there is a stage or a hanging podium.
They hand her over to the jailor. The jailor shows her the cell room she is assigned. A cramped two bed room with a basin and an unknown smell. She sees a girl staring at her. The jailor introduces her to Lara, her jailmate. Jailor asks Lara to show Rose the place and tell her all the rules and regulations.
Lara finally moved and came closer. Then she asked Rose to follow her. They started walking. Lara suddenly broke the silence and said:
- You were assaulted? Your family must be in trouble. They outcast people like these. - …….. - I know but here you are equal. No one questions anything here. After today you are not allowed to ask anything to anyone about the outside. - Ah.. Fine. - Breakfast starts at sharp 8. If you come late you go hungry. Then at 9 starts chores. The warden will explain your duties. You will find your clothes at the laundry and you can't wear anything besides the jail clothes. Do you understand?
Rose nodded. They walk through an eerie dark hallway with a bunch of cell rooms. Some opened, some closed. Rose suddenly notices a room with an open door. A man sits alone in the dark room with a doll in his hand. A little penguin.
- His neighbour killed his daughter. He put the man's house on fire. He was arrested for arson. After all, who leaves a 5 year old alone at home?
Lara keeps moving. Rose stays. She did wrong. She brought shame to her family. The whole society blames and berates her. Everyone here is the culprit. Then why something feels wrong. She asks:
- Lara? May I know your story? - I said. No question about life outside. - How long is it here? - You stay until those wounds feel numb. Then you sign a waiver and be free. - Waiver? - It means you admit your mistake and the society takes you back in. - What if….. I don't? - Then…..
Lara suddenly stops in her place and looks back. She says:
- Then the Dawn comes for you.
Something in her expression stopped Rose from questioning further.
The night falls. Rose sits by the wall. Her eyes hollow. She closes her eyes. When she opens them again she finds herself in an unknown room. The roof is moldy, cracked and leaking. Floor cold as ice. The walls are covered with big mirrors like a maze. She panics. While calling for help, she discovers her mouth is sewn shut with thick threads. She stands, struggling to get a word out. Only muffled sounds. She sprints across the room. She feels like roaches are crawling up from her throat to get out. She tries tearing the stitches with hand. But in vain. She sees her reflection in the mirror. Her bruised face filled with tears, snorts and blood. How pathetic she looks. She can't look at it. But the room is covered with mirrors. How can she escape her own reflection? She knows how. Shreds of glass are scattered across the room. Her hands are a bloody mess.
Does Rose think breaking the mirror also wipes away the image?
Rose wakes up panting. She fell asleep. She doesn’t see Lara anywhere, just a note saying :
“ I was his daughter also. My mother never knew he was married before. I just wanted to take my rights back. But I became a convicted criminal for harassment and defamation. I didn't fight. Because you can't win against someone who accepts silence as the only form of peace.”
~ Lara
Rose read this, folded it carefully before placing it on the bed. She goes out. In the entrance hallway she sees a large line of people. Face covered. Like herds moving in the same direction. Towards the empty field with the hanging stage. She also notices the Penguin doll clutched by a man in the row. She whispers to herself:
- Their Dawn has finally come.
She hurries to the dining hall. She can't go hungry. She takes food and sits on a bench to eat. Her shoulder tilted in a specific direction. Her exhaustion is visible in her position. But she slowly merges to the crowd in a grey painting.
